**Flashback**
"So, Alex… which college do you want to go to?"
Alex groaned. She had hoped her mother would drop this subject, but clearly Catherine hadn't forgotten.
"I don't know yet," she mumbled.
"What was that?" her mother asked, feigning deafness.
"I said, I don't know yet," Alex repeated, louder this time.
Catherine's eyes narrowed. "Your mates are already choosing the colleges they want to attend."
"Well, I'm not my mates, am I?" she shot back, irritation lacing her tone.
"Alex," her mother warned.
Alex sighed dramatically. "I don't even want to go to college."
Catherine stiffened, her voice dangerously calm. "Why not?"
Sensing the temper beneath her mother's measured tone, Alex quickly changed tactics. She smiled sweetly. "Oh, Mum, I want to help with the bills. I can do odd jobs, earn money… Plus, I don't even know what I want to study."
Catherine saw through the ploy but indulged her daughter's attempt at cajoling. Smiling faintly, she replied, "Thanks for wanting to help, but I'm the parent here. I can handle the bills. You just need to go to college."
"But the expenses will increase," Alex argued.
"Did I complain about the bills?"
"No," Alex admitted quickly. She knew pushing further might spark a real fight, so she scrambled for another excuse. "Besides, I don't know what to study."
"That's not an issue," Catherine countered. "I spoke with your guidance counselor. She said you're gifted in public speaking and mathematics. In fact, she said you're good at almost everything."
Alex forced a smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. It was true—school had never been a struggle. But nothing inspired her enough to keep going. She didn't want more classrooms, more books, more years wasted. She wanted out.
And then, an idea sparked. Maybe if she pushed hard enough, her mother would finally see her point.
"But what if I don't want to go to college at all?"
Catherine's glare made her swallow hard. "Are you saying you don't want to go to college?"
"Not really," Alex hedged. "I was just asking."
"Well, if that's truly what you want, then fine."
Alex's eyes lit up, relief flooding her—until Catherine added coldly:
"But that means you only have one option."
Her relief vanished. "What option?" she asked warily.
"You'll get married."
Her stomach dropped. "Marriage? Seriously, Mum?"
"I am serious." Catherine's tone was calm, but her smile was sharp. "If you won't go to college, then I need to ensure your future another way. Marrying into a wealthy family means you'll never struggle with bills, and you'll be free to live comfortably."
Alex's mouth fell open. She scowled, fuming. "That's ridiculous."
But Catherine simply turned back to her chores, humming softly as though the matter was already settled.
**End of Flashback**
---
Alex buried her face in her pillow, muffling her sobs. She had never believed her mother was serious. Marriage? She wasn't ready for marriage—she didn't even know the man!
Hot tears slid down her cheeks. How could her mother do this to her? Maybe if Dad were still alive… No. She refused to blame her mother. Catherine had sacrificed everything for her. But still—this? How was she supposed to cope?
And that man… Just remembering the way his eyes lingered on her sent shivers through her. She pressed her pillow tighter against her face, crying harder.
The door creaked open. Catherine's calm voice broke through the silence.
"Dinner is ready, dear. And prepare something decent to wear. You'll be meeting them tomorrow."
The moment the door clicked shut, Alex let out a strangled scream into her pillow. Her cries shook through her, louder and harsher, as if she could somehow drown out her fate.